Richard Alma Slater

Obituary in his own words.

I was born February 16, 1930, in Ogden, Utah to Gordon L. and Breggie Wharton Slater. I was lovingly raised by my maternal grandparents, Alma Irvine and Cora Smeding Wharton. If ever I was anything, I owe it to them.

I had the good fortune to meet Mollie J Bushell. We married on September 18, 1953. She presented me with four incredible children, Jack, Sandie, Scott, and David, all of whom are greatly loved. Mollie preceded me in death on April 14, 1986.

After twenty years of service, I retired from Flying J. Inc. While there I met and worked with some of the finest people I have ever known. In my lifetime I have made many acquaintances, some good friends, and a few true friends, all of whom impacted my life, and to them I owe a great deal. I thank them and I love them. A very special debt of gratitude to Richard, my oldest friend; Bill, my dear friend and brother; Delwin, who, like Richard, never gave up on my eternal salvation; Sammie, for her love; “E” for never forgetting; Jerry and Carma, for their love and hospitality; Jack and Sherma, Bob and Joy, and George and Gwen, for a lifetime of great memories and always knowing you were there. To my friends at Wildlife Resources, thanks for your association and dedication to your profession.

I have four precious children. Two are still living, John Richard (Jack) Slater of Fairbanks, AK, and Sandra (Marque) Malan of Sterling, VA. Two preceded me in death, Richard Scott Slater and David Richard Slater of Ogden. Other family are my beautiful grandchildren, Kristen, John, Bekah, Staphanie, Matt, Brandie and Travis; nine great-grandchildren; three sisters, Jackie (Gary) Elmer, Susan (Pete) Bullara and Peggy (Karl) Peterson; two brothers, Mike (Susan) Hogge (deceased), and Jerry (Linda) Hogge; as well as several beautiful nieces and some handsome nephews.

Thank you all for your love and respect. I will be excited to see you when you get there. But, please, don’t hurry. I can wait.

If I have offended or hurt anyone, I am truly sorry. I hope you will forgive me.

Now I out walking 
The world desert,
And my shoe and my stocking
Do me no hurt. 

I leave behind 
Good friends in town.
Let them get well-wined 
And go lie down. 

Don't think I leave 
For the outer dark 
Like Adam and Eve 
Put out of the Park. 

Forget the myth. 
There is no one I 
Am put out with 
Or put out by. 

Unless I'm wrong 
I but obey 
The urge of a song: 
I'm—bound—away!

And I may return 
If dissatisfied 
With what I learn 
From having died.
(Away! by Robert Frost)

Richard passed away at his home in Ogden, with his children by his side on April 22, 2025.

Additions from his children, Dad spent a little over two years in Alaska with the family, living in Fairbanks and Anchorage. There he grew his trademark beard that has remained ever since. He loved Alaska perhaps more even than Hawaii, which he visited more than fourteen times, although it would be close.

During his life, Richard served many people and touched many lives for the better. Among all of his accomplishments, this is his greatest, that he cared and loved.

Richard was educated in Ogden City Schools and graduated Class of 1948 from Ogden High School where he was a lieutenant in Jr. R.O.T.C. and range officer. As rifle team captain, fired second highest score in State competition, and later joined U.S. Army. He attended Weber College majoring in theatre/speech and minor in music. Was President of Alpha Rho Omega. He was active in community theatre and was president of Ogden Chorale when they performed at New York World Fair and Washington D.C. A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he held many positions including Ward Chorister, Ward Finance Clerk, Young Mens leader, Sunday School Teacher and, at time of death, High Priest and minister.

Preceded in death by his wife of 32 years; his parents; and precious grandparents.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.

Services will be live-streamed and available the day of the services by scrolling to the bottom of Richard’s obituary page at: www.lindquistmortuary.com, where condolences may also be shared.

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